Tools Tuesday - Six Ways I Use Webinars

I view online and recorded webinars.  Carefully selected webinars give me great value for time spent.

Six ways I Use Webinars:

1. To maintain my credential (PMI-PMP).  It is easy to find webinars offered by PMI Registered Education Providers (REPs) so that the PMI-PDU bookkeeping is easy.  If you pony up for a PMI membership, there are several good webinars offered by the various Communities of Practice via the PMI Site (Look in myPMI).
2. For "Just in Time" training when I undertake a new or less-familiar task.
3. To ensure that my organization's processes and procedures are industry best practice and sometimes to find opportunities to improve processes and procedures.
4. To entertain myself during those rare times when I've done everything I can for my projects (See maintaining my credential above).
5. To test drive areas as I consider taking additional in-depth training.  For example, do I want to study for, and sit for the ITIL foundation certificate?
6. To introduce myself to thought leaders in my industry.

I also plan to present webinars to share my unique knowledge and perspectives and to increase my network's reach.  Wish me luck!

Add webinars to your Professional Development Plan and use them to fill in the slow times while gaining information, insights, and qualifications.

Tools - The GROW Model

The GROW Model is a excellent framework for coaching, a key technique for project managers.

The acronym GROW stands for:

Goal (What is your goal?)
Reality (What is the current reality?)
Options and Obstacles (What are your options?  What is stopping you?)
Way Forward (How will you proceed?)

I've covered the GROW model before.  Today I cover the GROW model in the context of our new Tools Tuesday series by demonstrating the technique.

Coach:  What are your current goals

PM:  I want to relocate to the west part of the state where I hope to retire, and find a project management challenge to keep me excited and engaged up to retirement.

Coach:  What is your current reality?

PM:  I just finished a contract and am looking for my next challenge.

Coach:  What are your options?

PM:  I've been approached about a couple of opportunities in my desired location.

Coach:  What are your current obstacles?

PM:  Nothing is standing in my way.  I do need to land my next gig fast for cash flow purposes.  Thank G*d that I am in a good position financially.

Coach:  How will you move forward?

PM:  Continue to pursue opportunities in my desired locations - if I haven't landed well in three weeks, open a national job search.

Observations:

This model makes coaching sessions easy - and helps the coach to step back and allow the person being coached to do most of the talking

1. The GROW model works just fine for self-coaching sessions
2. Documenting a GROW session allows for easy follow up
• Illustrates changing goals
• Tracks progress against goals
• Identifies obstacles that the coach may be able to help eliminate

I recommend this model to any PM for use with project team members.

Tools Tuesday - Digital Strategy Slideshare

For the inaugural "Tools Tuesday" post here at AboutProjetManagement.com we present "Digital Strategy 101."  This presentation does a great job of decomposing the current state of practice.  It is also a great example of effective use of the slideshare platform.

Enjoy!

Digital Strategy 101

by Bud Caddell on Jul 09, 2013

• 46,752views

Digital Strategy 101 is an overview of the current state of digital strategy and an exploration of core concepts, deliverables, and thought-leaders relevant to young practitioners.

Digital Strategy 101 from Bud Caddell

Tools Tuesday presents a post about tools relating to the practice of project management.  Find Tool Tuesday posts at AboutProjectManagement.com.